US tightens textile chemicals regulations

NEW YORK - The US Environmental Protection Agency has taken steps to tighten up regulations around a number of chemicals used in textile manufacturing, including nine benzidine-based dyes and DnPP, a phthalate, which is used in PVC plastics. The EPA is proposing to place the chemicals under a 'significant new use rule' (SNUR), a regulatory instrument which falls under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and which means the EPA can evaluate any intended new use of the chemical and take action to prohibit or limit that activity, if warranted. The rule requires that anyone who intends to manufacture, import, or process any of the chemicals for an activity that is designated as a significant 'new use' must submit a notification to EPA at least 90 days before beginning the activity.